SC votes, 11-4, to release GMA

Manila, Philippines – Voting 11-4, the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday ordered the release of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from hospital detention.

The High Court dismissed, for insufficiency of evidence, the plunder case filed against her before the Sandiganbayan in connection with alleged misuse of P366 million in funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

The SC decision is immediately executory.

It is now the turn of the Sandiganbayan to implement the ruling and facilitate the release of Mrs. Arroyo from the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Quezon City where she has been confined due to failing health.

Since the dismissal of the plunder case is tantamount to an acquittal, government prosecutors are banned from filing any motion for reconsideration.

Also ordered released with the dismissal of the plunder case was Benigno Aguas, former PCSO budget and accounts manager. The SC voted 10-5 in his case.